(AP) Alvin Kamara dismisses the notion that hisapproach to his second NFL camp should change because of thefour-game suspension looming over fellow Saints Pro Bowl runningback Mark Ingram.

Whether Kamara and the running game are as effective without Ingramwhen the regular season opens remains to be seen. But Kamaraexpresses confidence in New Orleans' plan to deal with it.

''We work hard regardless. If Mark was in the first four weeks, I'dstill be working the same,'' Kamara asserted after the Saints'second practice of training camp Friday. ''Of course, (Ingram)wants to be playing, but he's got to take his four weeks - andwe've got playmakers.''

Those playmakers include two new veteran running backs acquired infree agency to ensure depth at the position.

In the weeks leading up to training camp, the Saints signed29-year-old Shane Vereen and 27-year-old Terrence West.

''We feel like those are two young candidates, two backs that, beit they're a little different in what they do, but we felt thatthey could help us and then with regards to Mark's snaps,'' Saintscoach Sean Payton, who missed Friday's practice to attend formercolleague Tony Sparano's funeral, said this week. ''Shane's got alot of versatility, is someone that we feel like is very good inprotection. Also, he's a very good receiver. With Terrance, you seea physical runner. So, both of those players we felt like wouldhelp us.''

The Saints ranked fifth in rushing last season, but that rankingalone doesn't do justice to the contributions Ingram and Kamaramade to the offense overall.

Ingram had arguably his finest season yet with 1,124 yards and 12touchdowns rushing to go with 416 yards receiving. Kamara, the 2017NFL offensive rookie of the year , had 728 yards and eight TDsrushing to go with 826 yards and five TDs receiving.

Yet, while Ingram's absence would appear to be a tough blow, theera of Payton and quarterback Drew Brees has produced highlyeffective offense with a wide range of personnel getting the ball.

Brees also uses high-percentage short passes to augment the runninggame. That made New Orleans an attractive destination for Vereen,who has a history of helping offenses as a receiver out of thebackfield more than as a rusher.

''It's a great opportunity for me,'' Vereen said. ''What reallybrought me here was the culture that they built around here.Definitely this is an offense that a lot of guys want to play in.

''The way they use their backs is pretty similar to what I'm usedto and it's the type of system that I feel like I can fit into,''Vereen continued. ''Just the way they spread the ball around andthe points that they put up, it seems like a good place to play.''

As a member of New England's 2014 championship squad, Vereen had391 yards and two TDs rushing to go with 447 yards and three TDsreceiving during the regular season. He also had 64 yards receivingin a Super Bowl victory over Seattle.

''I've admired him from afar - really respected what he was able todo in New England and then obviously in New York'' with the Giants,Brees said. ''He's got a great skill set, so I'm looking forward toworking with him.''

Terrence West comes to the Saints after an injury plagued 2017 withBaltimore. But two seasons ago, he had 774 yards and five TDs withthe Ravens.

Meanwhile, Ingram, who can participate in camp and preseason games,said he is committed to striving for his best season yet over the12 games for which he will be eligible.

''I'm here every day busting my butt, preparing myself to haveanother great season, to have my best season of my career. That'show I approach it,'' Ingram said. ''Of course, you want to rush for1,000 yards. It'll be more of a challenge in 12 games, but it'sattainable.

''I'm going to do everything I can to be in the best shape, thebest condition - the best me - so I can help this team.''